Ideal for those who want a taste of the outdoors, Richmond has some great weather for much of the year. The kind of weather that's great for strolling in the parks, or for James River boat cruises and for rafting andkayaking outfitters. Plus, there are sports venues of varying kinds. So come and join the fun at these adventurous venues. Some attractions are opened seasonally, so you need to check for the dates you have in mind.

Richmond's Canal Walk - A 1.25 mile loop following the restored Haxall and James River & Kanawha Canals as well as 4 centuries of Richmond's eclectic history. Enjoy a new 10,000 square foot Civil War Visitor Center, history medallions, new exhibits and monuments, and seasonal special events. Unique to this outdoor museum is an historically-narrated canal cruise, boat rentals and new restaurant and retail shops along the Canal Walk and in historic Shockoe Slip. Please visit www.richmondriverfront.com or call (888) RICHMOND. For more information on Richmond Canal Cruises, please call (804) 649-2800.

Byrd Park - Lakes and paddleboats are the most obvious feature of this park, but there's lots more here. Concerts and Festivals performances are often scheduled for this centrally located spot. Dogwood Dell is the stone and glass amphitheater located in the park, where many concerts originate. It's laid back relaxation at it's best! / Just off Boulevard / FREE

Dutch Gap Conservation Area - The only county-operated wildlife preserve in the state, Dutch Cap is also great for bird watching and for spotting wildlife.The refuge offers boating, fishing and hiking and is adjacent to the Henricus Historical Park. / Route. 10, Old Stage Road / Chesterfield / James River / (804) 748-1623 / FREE

Hollywood Cemetery - If you can find a bit of time, why not use it to tour the Hollywood Cemetery. From a large stone pyramid honoring the 18,000 Confederate Soldiers buried in the cemetery, to the elaborate statuary and mausoleums that bedeck the rolling hills of this beautiful location, the stroll alone is worth the trip. The final resting place of Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler as well as Jefferson Davis and J.E.B. Stuart are located in Hollywood, one of Richmondıs favorite park sites. / 412 South Cherry Street / (804) 648-8501 / FREE

James River Park System - With 450 acres of islands and river shoreline, this municipal park offers hands-on learning experiences with the ecology of the river basin as well as providing abundant recreational opportunities and activities. Rock climbing to fly fishing classes are just a few of the offerings at the Belle Isle complex. / James River

James River Fun / Outfitters
Richmond became the capital of Virginia during the Revolution because it was on the fall line! In other words, the British fleet could not move further up the James River because of the "falls" or rapids that start just below Richmond. Fast forward to the present and that provides the visitor with some unique and interesting possibilities for wet adventures, since Richmond is one of the few white-water rafting sites in the U.S. that runs through an urban area! As always, seasonal weather dictates the activities as well as the water levels in the river! For information, check out the following outfitters. $

Adventure Challenge / Richmond / (804) 276-7600
Richmond Raft Company / James River / (804) 222-7238
West View Livery & Outfitters / 1151 W. View Road / West End - Goochland / (804) 457-2744

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden - One of the most diverse perennial gardens on the East Coast, Lewis Ginter features eight main gardens including an Asian garden, children's garden and wetland environment. The Visitor Center has a gift shop and cafe, the garden also encompasses the historic Bloemendaal House and an Asian Tea House, which is open for lunch. / 1800 Lakeside Avenue / (804) 262-9887 / $

Maymont Park - Adventures abound in this 100 acre Victorian estate adjacent to the river, the grounds include Japanese and Italian gardens, waterfalls, fountains, Children's Farm, Nature Center and an opulent mansion with its outbuildings. A great way to spend the day with the children in the great outdoors and only minutes from the downtown area. There are small fees for tram rides, hayrides and carriage rides, but it's a great walking park if the visitor doesn't mind those hills! / 1700 Hampton Street / James River / (804) 358-7166 / FREE

Meadow Farm Museum - A living, working farm restored to its 1860 heritage, recreates the lifestyle of a middle-class rural family of the period. Changing exhibits along with a gift shop and orientation video are part of the presentation. / Mountain & Courtney Roads / Henrico / (804) 501-5520 / FREE

Pocahontas State Park - This state park offers the usual outdoor opportunities - swimming, boating, hiking, biking and camping, yet it is only twenty miles south of downtown Richmond, just off I-95. / 10301 State Park Road / Chesterfield / (804) 796-4255


Three Lakes Nature Center & Aquarium - The largest freshwater aquarium in central Virginia, the center also features wetland exhibits, aquatic and animal plant life, including the flora and fauna of the area. / 400 Sausiluta Drive / Henrico / (804) 261-8230 / FREE

Reserve Early ...while your preferred accommodations are still available.